Olympic committee prepares lawsuits over festival participation conditions

The Russian Olympic Committee is preparing lawsuits over the participation conditions at the 2027 winter European Youth Olympic Festival. Sports Minister and committee president Mikhail Degtyarev announced the move on October 9.

The European Olympic Committees admitted teams from Russia and Belarus to the festival in Brașov. Athletes will participate under their national Olympic committees, with only the respective committee's logo permitted on uniforms.

The EOC flag will replace national flags. Medal ceremonies will use the anthem the IOC used at Paris 2024. The conditions apply to both admitted teams and do not restore state symbols.

Degtyarev described this format as discriminatory and contrary to Olympic values. That is his assessment of the organisers' decision. He said lawyers were preparing court submissions, but did not report that lawsuits had been heard or that a judgment had been issued.

The festival in Romania is scheduled for February 14–21, 2027. Reports of the EOC executive committee decision confirm the dates and participation conditions. Preparing a legal challenge does not itself reverse the current admission arrangements.